THIS time 12 years ago, Clondalkin student Eoin Mitchell began studying in UCD to pursue his dream of becoming a secondary school teacher.

Tragically he was diagnosed with a brain tumour just two months into his studies, and passed away two years later.

Parents Aine and Fran, sister Aoife

Eoin, a big fan of Leinster and Irish rugby, GAA and canoeing, was just 20-years-of-age.

Although the anniversary was emotionally draining, in July, Eoin’s parents Áine and Fran, and his only sister Aoife, took part in a walk from Bray to Greystones, raising over €6,400 for Brain Tumour Ireland.

“It was tough going, but we really wanted to do something because it has been ten years,” said Aoife, a Clondalkin Village resident.

“Eoin started in UCD doing Arts/Geography/History in September and was ill in November. He took a break for a couple of months and went back for a month or two, but wasn’t able for it.”

After being diagnosed, Eoin had surgery in Beaumont Hospital, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy in St Luke's Hospital.

“He spent some time in Our Lady's Hospice Harold’s Cross, passing away there on July 16, 2008,” said Aoife.

A year after he passed away, Eoin’s former school Moyle Park College named their school library after him.

Would have loved to be a teacher.

“He would have loved to be a teacher. Moyle Park named their library after him in 2009, and we got his degree on his behalf posthumously from UCD in 2011.”

Aoife said her brother also loved to go out canoeing with friends from UCD canoe club at Lucan Weir, and would have enjoyed the recent success of Dublin GAA and the Leinster and Ireland rugby teams.

“There was over 120 people at the walk in July. We set up a GoFundMe ‘everyday hero’ page, and people were very generous in donating,” said Aoife.

Brain Tumour Ireland said: “Huge thanks to the Mitchell family who did the Bray to Greystones walk in memory of their son and Aoife's brother Eoin. We really appreciate their efforts.”

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